1980 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 641 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 308.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 308. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 88 L |
